When planning a safari in Tanzania, one of the most common questions travelers ask is whether they need to carry cash while in Safari. While digital payments and credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in major tourist cities in Tanzania, cash is still king and you will need to have one.
Here’s what you need to know about carrying cash on your Tanzania safari.
Common Costs While on Safari
Souvenirs
Shopping for souvenirs is a big part of the safari experience in Tanzania. You will find a variety of unique items to bring back home, such as Maasai blankets, honey, wood carvings, paints, jewelry and gemstones. Most local markets, street vendors, and small shops only accept cash, so carrying some Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) or U.S. dollars (USD) is essential.
Snacks & Drinks
While your safari package typically includes meals, you may want to buy extra snacks, bottled drinks, or coffee during your trip to the safari parks. Small shops, roadside stalls, and on the way local markets usually only take cash.
Tipping
Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for the excellent service provided by safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff. Tip is not mandatory in Tanzania however they may expect something once they provide you a great service.Here are recommended tipping amounts:
Safari Driver/Guide: $20 – $50 per day
Chef (if applicable): $15 – $30 per day
Hotel Staff: $5 – $30 per day
Note: Since tipping is usually done in cash, it’s best to bring small bills in USD or TZS.
How Much Cash Should I Bring on a Tanzania Safari?
The amount of cash you need will depend on the length of your safari. However, a general recommendation is to carry $700 to $1000 per person for the entire trip (for around 5 to 12 days safari). If you plan to be more generous with tips or purchase more souvenirs to help the locals, consider bringing additional cash which you are okay to spend.
It is safe to carry cash on safari, as long as you keep it in a secure place such as a money belt or a travel pouch.
Which Currency Should I Carry?
If you are visiting Tanzania, we highly recommend you carry USD or Tanzania Shillings (TZS) to make things easy. These two currencies are mostly used for tourist products like Airport transfers, day tours and activities, or if you go shopping during your stay in Tanzania. However it is also possible to carry GBP and EUR because they are used too in tourism transactions.
Where Can I Exchange Money Before My Tanzania Safari Starts?
Using Tanzania shillings is the best way to spend cash while in Tanzania. But the question remains, where should you exchange your money for Tanzanian shillings? The common places where you can exchange to TZS are;
- Arusha Airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Arusha City (banks and currency exchange bureaus)
- Zanzibar Airport
- Stone Town, Zanzibar (currency exchange offices)
- Dar es Salaam (banks and forex bureaus)
The popular banks where you can exchange or withdraw cash are NMB, CRDB and PBZ (People’s Bank of Zanzibar). Make sure you withdraw your cash before going to Safari because there are no ATMs or any exchange office in the parks.
FAQs About Cash in Tanzania Safari
Can I use credit or debit cards on safari?
Yes, many lodges and hotels accept credit and debit cards. Do not expect to find the local markets where you can spend with your card, so we recommend you carry your cash whether in USD or TZS.
Are ATMs available in safari destinations?
ATMs are only available in Arusha town, or Dar es Salam and Zanzibar if you are from these two places. It’s best to withdraw cash before heading into the wild.
Do I need to carry cash for park fees?
You don’t need to carry cash for this reason because almost all tour operators include park fees in their itinerary. Please reconfirm with your operator, but with us all of our packages already included. So, you will need to carry cash for other reasons.
Is it safe to carry cash on safari?
Yes, as long as you store it securely as normally. Use a money pouch and avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.
